Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Power upgrades for towing?

[dieselsam59]

A friend of mine would like to have more power for his 96 3500 ext. cab 4x4 5spd. He uses the truck for pulling gooseneck trailers and nothing else. He has about 140,000 miles on his truck. What are the necesary parts to safely upgrade power? And where does he get them from? Also what would be the best exhaust brake? Thanks guys.

 

[biggy238]

I'd Check out Genos Garage for a gauge selection... Ofcourse the Boost and EGT gauge are in order.



Power, LOTS of people have either recommended or bought TST 10 plates. . Seems to be a good trade between power vs EGT while towing.



A 3kgsk (3 thousand RPM governor spring kit) will allow said friend to use more rpm in each gear.



And I would look into a clutch upgrade. Lot's of people like South Bend, but others will have to give you input on that one.



This is just what I have found people prefer on here, and is a baseline without changing major components (other than the clutch). . Happy Bombing

 

[BTighe]

if he's looking at cheap and simple i would say the 11plate. im pretty sure the stock clutch is safe at this point but not with a 10. how much does he want to spend?

 

[dieselsam59]

He is an equipment dealer and salesman, so of course he is cheap. But very concerned about possible damage.

 

[bkroupa]

The 4 kgsk kit is the best towing mod I've made. I don't rev past 3200, but it really helps the truck deal with the wide gear spread between 3-4th & 4-5th especially on an uphill. Bumping the timing to 15. 5-16 aid economy & makes the truck run better.

I gained a full mpg on my normal commute. I have run both the 10 & 11 plate & the 10 is so much more responsive(Fun) but will require a clutch eventually.